The Music of St. Croix

Over the past few years the sounds of roots music emanating from the island of St. Croix has risen in meteoric proportions.  Having been hounded by countless individuals wanting to learn more about this Cruzial music, I have undertaken to present a list of STX music that has been released to date.  I have also put together links to all known web sites pertaining to the Artists and Record Labels participating in this St. Croix musical revolution.  For albums that are still available, I have endeavored to include links to web sites where this music can be purchased.   

Artists:
Abja Army Bambu Station Batch Danny I De Apostle Dezarie Donny Dread Iba Ikahba Inner Visions Jahcob Seed Jahman Mada Nile Masta Chang Midnite Midnite Branch I Midnite I Grade Mystical Youth Ras Attitude Ron Benjamin Sabbattical Ahdah Sistah Joyce Star Lion Family The Great Abu Umojah Various Artists
Abja:
	Abja Inna Red I Hour I Grade Records 2003	Debut release by this artist (also featured on Weep Not) has a distinctively rootsy blues feel to it.  Favorite Selection: War
Army:
	Army Struggler Dub Rise Records 2003	A good sophomore effort from this heartical artist from this artist from the Dub Rise Records stable. Favorite Selection: Overtime
	Army Yesterday's News Dub Rise Records 2003	This debut album was remastered and re-released by Dub Rise Records. Favorite Selection: Arise
	Army Yesterday's News Glamorous Records 2000	Debut album of Army, who also appears on the Eastbound CD.  Yesterday's News was initially released by Glamorous Records. Favorite Selection: Arise
	Army & Luciano Calling Jah Army Dub Rise Records 2003	CD single featuring Army in combination with Jamaican reggae sensation Luciano.
Bambu Station:
	Bambu Station One Day Mt. Nebo Records 2003	Crucial release by Jalani Horton who is also featured on Talkin Roots Vol. 1. Favorite Selection: Humanity Bawlin'
Batch:
	Batch Keep The Faith Sound V.I.Zion Records 2004	Admirable follow-up to his debut album from this leader of the Sound V.I.Zion Records posse. Favorite Selection: Leave Out Babylon
	Batch Who You Are Sound V.I.Zion Records 2003	Debut release from the founder of Sound V.I.Zion Records who also appears on the Culturellennium compilations. Favorite Selection: Jah Guide I
Danny I:
	Danny I Jah Fury Iyah Ites 2002	Initial album from this artist who also appears on the Eastbound II and Talking Roots II albums. Favorite Selection:  Jah Fury
De Apostle:
	De Apostle Renegade Music L.P. Records 2003
	De Apostle Book Of Fire Prophet Hill Records 2002
	De Apostle Genesis Prophet Hill Records 2000
Dezarie:
	Dezarie Gracious Mama Africa Afrikan Roots Lab 2003	Crucial album from St. Croix's roots empress, Gracious Mama Africa is a dynamic album that is sure to become a roots classic. Favorite Selection: Law Fe De Outlaw
	Dezarie Fya I Grade Records 2001	Debut album from this outstanding vocalist, Dezarie was given the 'Best New Artist' award at the 2001 Atlanta Reggae Awards. Favorite Selection: Most High
Donny Dread:
	Donny Dread Set De Pace Groundbreaking Records 2004	Debut album from this chanter who also appears on the I Grade compilation "Weep Not". Favorite Selection: Confine
Iba:
	Iba Jah Lion (Children Of The Nile) Mt. Nebo Records 2003	Debut offering from this highly talented singer who also appears on Talkin Roots Vol. I. Favorite Selection: African Queen
Ikahba:
	Ikahba Troddin To Zion Afrikan Roots Lab 2004	Strong lyrics permeate throughout this artist's initial album of Ikahba who also lended some selections to the Homegrown and Eastbound II albums under the name Ika Melody. Favorite Selection: Dem Skylarkin
Inner Visions:
	Inner Visions Street Corner Musicians Blue Bitch Music 2003	A second generation of Pickerings (Akiba and Aswad) join the band for the latest Inner Visions release. Favorite Selection: Kindred Journey
	Inner Visions Spiritual Dancer Blue Bitch Music 2000	This album demonstrates Inner Visions' refined and eleborate musical abilities which distinguishes them from the St. Croix's raw roots style.  Favorite Selection: Spiritual Dancer
	Inner Visions Love One Another Blue Bitch Music 1995	Debut album from this premier St. John band whose members include the Pickering brothers. Favorite Selection: Blow Down Babylon
Jahcob Seed:
	Jahcob Seed Heed Deh Call Ground Control Records 2003	Strong, well-rounded musical offering from this talented singer on his debut release. Favorite Selection: Heed Deh Call
Jahman:
	Jahman Poverty Struggle Splatter House Records 2000
Mada Nile:
	Mada Nile Rise Today Sound V.I.Zion Records 2004	Poignant lyrics abound on this sistren's debut release which includes contributions from Ras Attitude and Batch. Favorite Selection: Batta Bruise
Masta Chang:
	Masta Chang Be Yourself JC & MC Production 2003	This solo effort from this Masta Chang, who also has several selections on the I Grade compilation album "Weep Not", has a distinctively more 'ragga' flavor to it then most st. croix albums. Favorite Selection: Ice, Gold and Green
Midnite:
	Midnite Ainshant Maps Afrikan Roots Lab 2004	After a 2-year drought of strictly Midnite materials, the band returns to their well established pattern of spewing out some of the best roots music on the planet. Favorite Selection: Knocka Fire
	Midnite Scheme A Things Rastafaria 2004	Released contemporaneously with Ainshant Maps, this Rastafaria release continues Midnite's tradition of fiery lyrics laced over some outstanding roots riddims. Favorite Selection: Bazra
	Midnite Intense Pressure Rastafaria 2003	This dub album establishes that Midnite is a formidable power in roots music even without any contributions from the amazing lyrical skills of lead singer, Vaughn Benjamin. Favorite Selection: Man Tain
	Midnite Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance Afrikan Roots Lab 2002	Midnite takes roots music to an entirely new level with the heartical selection of songs contained on Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance. Favorite Selection: Ras For A Reason
	Midnite Jubilees Of Zion Afrikan Roots Lab 2001	The introductory musical offering from the Afrikan Roots Lab record label, the re-release of this album is crucial because of the 16-page lyrics booklet it contains. Favorite Selection: One
	Midnite Jubilees Of Zion Midnite Roots Music 2000	This album was recorded in st. croix shortly after the band returned their after a 6-year sojourn to Washington D.C., and is the initial recording at Midnite's Afrikan Roots Lab studio. Favorite Selection: One
	Midnite Ras Mek Peace Wildchild! 2000	The album that first introduced me to the st. croix vibes, this CD was made with no mixing board, filtering, compression, equalization, noise reduction, multitracking or overdubbing. Favorite Selection: Lion Wears The Crown
	Midnite Unpolished Rastafaria 1997	Initially release in 1997, this debut album was re-released by Rastafaria in 2002 and is one of my all-time favorite roots classics. Favorite Selection: Don't Move (Lion's Dread)
Midnite / I Grade:
	Midnite I Grade Vijan I Grade Records 2003	This 3rd collaboration between Midnite and I Grade records contains some poignant lyrics weaved over some crucial soundtracks.  Favorite Selection: Structa
	Midnite I Grade Assini I Grade Records 2002	Midnite and I Grade records return with another excellent collaboration that is a little harder-hitting rhythmically than most Midnite releases. Favorite Selection: Ises
	Midnite I Grade Nemozian Rasta I Grade Records 2001	Vaughn Benjamin is so lyrically prolific that he uses I Grade and Branch I as avenues to let keep the people feed.  This debut collaboration also includes several selections by Dezarie. Favorite Selection: Bless
Midnite Branch I:
	Midnite / Ras L. Full Cup Natural Vibes 2004	This 17-track album is a collaboration between Vaughn 'Midnite' Benjamin and Ras L. Favorite Selection: Worthy Deeds
	Midnite Branch I Project III Natural Vibes 2003	Released in late 2003, this 15-track Branch I project is the initial release by Natural Vibes, based out of Massachusetts. Favorite Selection: Permit Zion
	Midnite Branch I He Is Jah Rastafaria 2003	This Branch I project exposes the ability of Vaughn Benjamin to ride a wide variety of rhythms and still have a distinctively roots feel to it. Favorite Selection: Bombs Away
	Midnite Branch I Geoman I Grade Records 2003	The first Branch I album to be released by I Grade Records, Geoman contains 15 tracks that are sure to move anyone that is open to the possibilities that this album offers. Favorite Selection: Jah In Dem (w/ Dread Ites & Pressure)
	Midnite Branch I The Cipheraw Rastafaria 2002	This Rastafaria musical offering is a remastered version of The Cipheraw that was originally released by Glamorous Records. Favorite Selection: Check Yu Self
	Midnite Branch I The Cipheraw Glamorous Records 2002	This is the works of Midnite's Vaughn Benjamin and Phillip Merchant, to which Eddie Russell III adds trumpets trumpets to create an album that has a roots/jazz flavour to it. Favorite Selection: Check Yu Self
Mystical Youths:
	Mystical Youths Hard Life Iyah Ites Productions 2004	Debut album from this group who first surfaced with an excellent composition on the Eastbound II album.
Ras Attitude:
	Ras Attitude Love Life Sound V.I.Zion 2004	Ras Attitude returns with a hard-hitting album filled with consciousness. Favorite Selection: War To Win
	Ras Attitude Happiness Sound V.I.Zion 2000	Initial release of Ras Attitude and Sound V.I.Zion, this album has something to offer for everyone. Favorite Selection: Jah Trees
Ron Benjamin:
	Ron Benjamin Second Chance Afrikan Roots Lab 2002	The father of Midnite's Ron & Vaughn Benjamin links up with his sons for this multi-generational release. Favorite Selection: It Ain't Easy
	Ron Benjamin Life Is Like A Maze Sunburst Productions 1997	Ron Benjamin returns with another collection of primarily love songs inna reggae style. Favorite Selection: Who Am I?
	Ron Benjamin Early Sounds Of Black Panther Productions 1988	This album consists of reggae and soca love songs that were recorded by Ron Benjamin (father of Ron & Vaughn Benjamin) between 1980 and 1988.
Sabbattical Ahdah:
	Sabbattical Ahdah Heart Ah Joy SPM Records 2003	Digitally remastered re-release of this crucial album. Favorite Selection: Bless King Negus
	Sabbattical Ahdah Heart Ah Joy Iyah Ites 2001	Debut album from this heartical artist who also appears on the Eastbound albums. Favorite Selection: Bless King Negus
Sistah Joyce:
	Sistah Joyce H.I.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y SPM Records 2004	The debut album from this roots daughter with the hard-hitting lyrics. Favorite Selection: Remembah
	Sistah Joyce H.I.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y (EP) SPM Records 2004	4 track EP from the forthcoming debut album 'H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y.' on SPM Records. Favorite Selection: Haile Africa
	Sistah Joyce & Jamal Gun Solution (CDS) SPM Records 2004	Brand new single on the riddim featured on Wake Up Call.
Star Lion Family:
	Star Lion Family From The Heart Black Juice Records 2002	Debut album from this multitalented vocal group hailing from the island of St. Thomas. Favorite Selection: His Foundation
	Star Lion Family Brighter Days (EP) Star Lion Family 2003	3 track EP from this St. Thomas band. Favorite Selection: Mama Love
The Great Abu:
	The Great Abu With Tears SPM Records 2004	Initial release from this artist whose voice is remarkably similar to the Gladiator's Clinton Fearon. Favorite Selection: It's a Cry
Umojah:
	Umojah Sounds Of The Innocent Umojah Productions 2002
Various Artists:
	Various Artists Wake Up Call SPM Records 2003	This initial musical offering from SPM Records includes lots of great st. croix artists such as Nyingro, Issachar, Bobo Ites and Sabbattical Ahdah. Favorite Selection: Nyingro - Under A Spell
	Various Artists Weep Not I Grade Records 2002	Crucial compilation that includes Midnite, Dezarie and a slew of other gifted artists. Favorite Selection: Dezarie - Hosanna Jah
	Various Artists Talkin Roots Vol. I Mt. Nebo Records 2002	One of my favorite all-time compilations, this album contains some serious selections on it. Favorite Selection: Dezarie - Woe!
	Various Artists Culturellennium II Sound V.I.Zion Records 2001	Sound V.I.Zion returns with another set that includes Vaughn Benjamin, Dezarie, Batch, Ras Attitude and much more. Favorite Selection: Midnite - Excellency
	Various Artists Culturellennium Sound V.I.Zion Records 2000	A rough compilation that includes Batch, Ras Attitude, Vaughn Benjamin, De Apostle, Prento Kidd and more. Favorite Selection: Midnite - Love Bredren
	Various Artists Homegrown Vol. I Glamorous Records 2001	Compilation that showcases lots of new artists such as De Apostle, Army, Ika Melody (Ikahba), Eno and others. Favorite Selection: Ika Melody - Politricktion
	Various Artists Eastbound II Iyah Ites 2001	Nearly impossible to find, this follow-up album contains several tracks from Sabbattical Ahdah, Bobo Ites and Danny I. Favorite Selection: Mystical Youths - Rasta School
	Various Artists Eastbound Iyah Ites 2000	Without a doubt the most crucial compilation of music from st. croix that includes tracks from Midnite, Army, Sabbattical Ahdah and Cripleton. Favorite Selection: Midnite - Roll Call
	Various Artists The Life (EP) Sound V.I.Zion Records 2003	4 track EP with selections from Ras Attitude, Batch, Mada Nile and Ambassada. Favorite Selection: Mada Nile - Another Day

Record Labels:
Afrikan Roots Lab Blue Bitch Music Dub Rise Records Glamorous Records Ground Breaking Records Ground Control Records I Grade Records Iyah Ites Mt. Nebo Records Prophet Hill Records Rastafaria Records Sound V.I.Zion Records SPM Records SPM Records Umojah Productions
Afrikan Roots Lab		Established in 2000, this is the recording studio and record label of Midnite, St. Croix's premier roots band.
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Midnite	Ainshant Maps	2004
		Ikahba	Troddin To Zion	2004
		Dezarie	Gracious Mama Africa	2003
		Midnite	Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance	2002
		Midnite	Jubilees Of Zion	2001
Blue Bitch Music		Record label of St. John's Inner Visions
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Inner Visions	Street Corner Musicians	2004
		Inner Visions	Spiritual Dancer	2000
		Inner Visions	Love One Another	1995
Dub Rise Records		Record label of St. Croix recording artist Army.
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Army	Struggler	2004
		Army & Luciano	Calling  Jah Army	2003
		Army	Yesterday's News (Remastered)	2003
Glamorous Records		Record label of Drummer and Engineer Dean Pond
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Midnite Branch I	The Cipheraw	2002
		Various Artists	Homegrown Vol. I	2001
		Army	Yesterday's News	2000
Ground Breaking Records
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Donny Dread	Set De Pace	2004
Ground Control Records
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Jahcob Seed	Heed Deh Call	2003
I Grade Records		Conscious roots label of Laurent 'Tippy' Alfred
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Yahadanai	One Atonement	2004
		Midnite/I Grade	Vijan	2003
		Abja	Inna Red I Hour	2003
		Midnite Branch I	Geoman	2003
		Midnite/I Grade	Vijan	2003
		Various Artists	Weep Not	2002
		Midnite/I Grade	Assini	2002
		Dezarie	Fya	2001
		Midnite/I Grade	Nemozian Rasta	2001
Iyah Ites Records		Record label of Sargie.
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Mystical Youths	Hard Life	2004
		Danny I	Jah Fury	2002
		Sabbattical Ahdah	Heart Ah Joy	2001
		Various Artists	Eastbound Vol. II	2001
		Various Artists	Eastbound Vol. I	2000
Mt. Nebo Records		This Maryland based record label is the home of Bambu Station.
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Iba	Jah Lion (Children Of The Nile)	2003
		Bambu Station	One Day	2003
		Various Artists	Talkin' Roots Vol. I	2002
Prophet Hills Records		Record Label for De Apostle.
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		De Apostle	Book Of Fire	2002
		De Apostle	Genises	2000
Rastafaria Records		Roots, Dub and Culture label.
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Midnite	Scheme A Things	2004
		Midnite Branch I	He Is Jah	2003
		Midnite	Intense Pressure	2003
		Midnite Branch I	The Cipheraw (Remastered)	2002
		Midnite	Unpolished (Rerelease)	2001
Sound V.I.Zion Records		Roots label of Batch.
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Batch	Keep The Faith	2004
		Ras Attitude	Love Life	2004
		Mada Nile	Rise Today	2004
		Batch	Who You Are	2003
		Various Artists	The Life (EP)	2003
		Various Artists	Culturellennium II	2001
		Various Artists	Culturellennium	2000
		Ras Attitude	Happiness	2000
SPM Records		Newly formed record label of brothers Ras Eddie & Ras I-G
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Danny I	Grateful 4 Life (CDS)	2004
		Sistah Joyce	H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y. (EP)	2004
		Sistah Joyce	Gun Solution (CDS)	2004
		The Great Abu	With Tears	2004
		Various Artists	Wake Up Call	2003
		Sabbattical Ahdah	Heat Ah Joy (remastered)	2003
Umojah Productions		Record label of Umojah
	CDs:	Artist:	Album:	Year:
		Umojah	Sounds Of The Innocent	2002